Striking South African miners heed threat

Gold Fields, the world's fourth largest gold producer reported that the vast majority of an estimated 15,000 illegally striking workers had met yesterday's deadline to return to work.
Photo: The New York Times

More than 13,000 striking South African miners have heeded a company ultimatum to return to work, offering hope that a long and often violent labour conflict may be cooling.

Gold Fields, the world's fourth largest gold producer reported that the vast majority of an estimated 15,000 illegally striking workers had met yesterday's deadline to return to work.

A company spokesman says about 1500 workers did not show up for work and were sacked but they have 24 hours within which to lodge appeals against their dismissals.